As of the 11 April 2024, the minimum income requirement (MIR) for family visas increased from £18.600 to £29,000. This is an increase of over 55%. This hike was part of the previous government’s plan to progressively elevate these the to match the Skilled Worker visa salary requirement of £38,700 by early next year.The Government intends two further increases, from £29,000 to £34,500 and then to £38,700 by early 2025.

Background of the Changes
On 4 December 2024, the UK Government revealed a five-point strategy to limit legal immigration. The primary objective is to ensure sponsors have the financial capacity to support their family members, minimizing reliance on public resources. The minimum income threshold for sponsoring a partner has recently increased from £18,600 to £29,000 per annum, with plans for further increments to £34,500 and ultimately to £38,700 by early 2025.

What the New Financial Requirements Mean for You
If you plan to sponsor your fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, spouse, or partner after April 11, 2024, you must demonstrate a gross annual income of £29,000. Importantly, there will no longer be an additional requirement for children; previously, sponsors had to show an extra £3,800 per year for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child. This change aims to create parity between British citizens and skilled worker migrants.

Impact on Existing Applicants
If you’re already in the UK on the fiancé(e) or partner route, or if you submit your application before April 11, 2024, your income requirement will remain at £18,600 until you achieve a settlement, provided you stay with the same partner. This also applies to any children who joined or accompanied you on this route before the deadline.
For those already meeting the older requirement, even if the financial need exceeds £29,000 due to family size, only evidence of £29,000 in income is necessary.

Sponsorship While on Benefits
For those receiving certain qualifying benefits—like Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance—you can still sponsor your partner and dependants. The MIR does not apply in these cases, as long as you can demonstrate you meet the adequate maintenance requirement.

What if You Don’t Meet the Income Requirement?
If your salary falls below the new minimum, you may combine various income sources to meet the MIR, including cash savings. The required amount in savings will increase from £62,500 to £88,500 starting April 11, 2024, with further rises planned.
If you cannot meet the MIR, you can still apply. However, you must show that refusing your application would violate your Article 8 rights (the right to family and private life), resulting in “unjustifiably harsh consequences” for you or your family. This standard is quite stringent, and many such cases may lead to appeals, causing additional stress for mixed-nationality families in the UK.

Exploring Alternatives
Raising your income to meet the new financial threshold can be a straightforward solution. This might involve seeking full-time employment or pursuing higher-paying job opportunities. However, many face limitations due to job constraints or family commitments that restrict their working hours.

If relying on savings, be mindful of the regulations surrounding them. In the UK, there are specific rules about how long savings must be held to be considered valid, which can complicate matters further.

Conclusion
With the average salary in the UK sitting at approximately £34,963, the recent changes to the minimum income requirement can significantly impact numerous families. Those looking to sponsor a loved one for a family visa should act promptly, especially with further increases on the horizon.

If you are unsure about your income status or need clarification on Article 8 rights, seeking professional advice is vital. The immigration process can be intricate, and expert guidance can simplify your journey.

For any questions regarding these changes or any immigration, asylum, or nationality issues, feel free to contact Ash Norton Solicitors. We are dedicated to supporting families in navigating the complexities of financial requirements, ensuring a smoother path for you and your loved ones.